New data from Greece’s pharmaceutical market paints a clear picture of the country’s health challenges, with chronic diseases dominating prescription trends and driving the majority of drug spending.
Figures show that conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, thyroid disorders and neurological illnesses account for roughly 55% of total pharmaceutical expenditure, highlighting the scale of long-term health issues affecting the population.
In 2025 alone, approximately 430 million medicine packs were sold across around 3,800 different products. Notably, just 50 prescription drugs made up a quarter of total sales, underlining the concentration of treatment around a relatively small number of conditions.
Thyroid, heart disease and diabetes dominate
At the top of the list is levothyroxine, a thyroid hormone treatment, with more than 10 million boxes sold, reflecting the widespread prevalence of thyroid disorders—particularly among women.
Cardiovascular health remains another major concern. Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) recorded nearly 9.8 million sales, driven largely by its use in preventing strokes and heart attacks.
Other widely used medications include:
- Furosemide and bisoprolol, both linked to heart disease and hypertension
- Atorvastatin, used to manage cholesterol levels
- Metformin, a cornerstone treatment for type 2 diabetes
Together, these figures highlight the persistent burden of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases across the country.
Mental health and antibiotics also significant
The data also reveals growing mental health pressures, with alprazolam, an anti-anxiety medication, recording nearly 4 million prescriptions.
Meanwhile, amoxicillin remained one of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics, particularly during the winter season, while esomeprazole, used for gastric issues, continued to see strong demand—raising questions about potential overprescription.
Obesity treatments surge sharply
Beyond the top ten, the most striking trend is the rapid rise in obesity-related treatments.
The drug tirzepatide reached around 300,000 units in 2025, generating close to €100 million, with sales expected to double in 2026. Similarly, semaglutide saw a 40% increase, reaching 1.32 million units and over €130 million in revenue.
This surge reflects a growing focus on both diabetes management and weight loss, as obesity emerges as a major public health concern.
Seasonal pressures and overall impact
A strong flu season also contributed to increased demand, with antiviral oseltamivir sales rising by 75%.
Overall, the data underscores not just patterns of medication use, but a broader reality: Greece is facing mounting pressure from chronic illness, rising obesity rates and seasonal health challenges—placing increasing strain on its healthcare system.
greekcitytimes.com.
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